Retired Hatfield police sergeant honored as two new officers sworn in

Longtime Hatfield police Sgt. David McCreesh, center, poses with family members, commissioners’ President Tom Zipfel, far left, and police Chief William Tierney, right, after being recognized for a 27-year career with the department.
Dan Sokil - Digital First Media

New Hatfield police Officer Ryan Saunders, left, is sworn in by District Judge Ed Levine during the township commissioners meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2017.
Dan Sokil - Digital First Media

HATFIELD TWP. >> One of the Hatfield Township Police Department’s longest-tenured officers said farewell Wednesday night as the township formally swore in its two newest officers.

Longtime Sgt. David McCreesh was recognized for 27 years of service, and the township formally swore in new Officers Ryan Saunders and Brandi McCoy in front of a room full of family and friends.

“I just want to thank the people of this community, the leaders of Hatfield Township and Hatfield Borough, for having given me the opportunity to experience such a wonderful career,” McCreesh said.

McCreesh was hired as a Hatfield officer in 1990, earned the rank of corporal in 1997 and was promoted to sergeant in 1999, according to commissioners President Tom Zipfel and police Chief William Tierney, who remembered a friendly competition between the two during their earliest days with the department.

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“I always knew Dave was going to be that guy: he was going to be a guy that was always going to push me, and push himself, to be better and do more,” Tierney said. “In Dave’s career, he quickly became what I consider to be a standout officer. He was never status quo, it was never good enough to just be this. He always said ‘Why? Let’s do more, let’s do better.’”

“In the early days, Dave basically investigated accidents with a ruler and a piece of gum. We had no equipment, we had nothing, and we were told to investigate serious fatalities, and had nothing other than common sense and what became great know-how,” Tierney said.

As he spoke, McCreesh received hugs from family members and handshakes from the township supervisors. Zipfel presented him with a retired sergeants badge, and Tierney gave him a decorative plaque designed around an old photo of their earliest days.

“Dave made people around him better. He made me better. He made guys that have left the department better, and on top of being a great cop, Dave was a great family man,” he said.

After McCreesh was honored by the board, two new officers were formally sworn in and received their new badges.

“Hopefully we have the start of two more 27-year careers here,” said Tierney, who noted both new officers are graduates of North Penn High School.

Saunders, who was sworn in by District Judge Ed Levine, has prior experience in the Philadelphia Police Department, according to the chief. McCoy was sworn in by District Judge Andrea Duffy, who said McCoy already knows her courtroom well.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with her for years in my district court, as an officer with Montgomery Township, so I’m thrilled to be here,” Duffy said.

Tierney and Zipfel thanked each of the officers for joining the department, the township civil service commission for vetting and recommending them, and the new officers’ families for supporting the officers through thick and thin.

“We have every reason to believe that you’re also going to be here for 27 years, or more, and also be recognized as fantastic officers,” Zipfel said.